Comparison of selected risk factors in cardiovascular diseases in two different populations of the Czech Republic

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this work is to compare the current prevalence of selected risk factors in cardiovascular diseases in the Czech general population in a particular region with a selected population of Czech soldiers in a particular military unit. Methods: Within medical preventive examinations, data from 684 civilians aged between 30-60 years were obtained (405 men and 279 women). Within compulsory medical preventive examinations, data from 659 soldiers from a particular military unit aged between 30-60 years were obtained (576 men and 83 women). Anthropometric parameters such as height and body weight were monitored and then used to calculate the values of Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference. From biochemical parameters the following values were monitored: glycaemia, uric acid, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT, and GGT. As for the demographic data, age and gender were processed. In the cohort of male soldiers a questionnaire was used to find the extent of cigarette smoking, frequency of using alcoholic drinks and performance of regular physical activities such as aerobic exercises. Results: As for cardiovascular risk, assessed anthropometric parameters in monitored female age categories are statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05) in women in the Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) compared to the female civilian population. Most of the biochemical parameters also display values that indicate the female military population is healthier than the civilian in these parameters. On the other hand, assessed anthropometric parameters in monitored male age categories are statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001) in civilian men compared to the male military population. Most of the assessed biochemical parameters show statistically significant health-indicative values in the male civilian population as well. Conclusion: This work revealed differences in anthropometric and biochemical parameters between the examined civilian and military populations. As for cardiovascular risk, the main findings are significantly worse anthropometric and biochemical parameters in the selected male military cohort compared to the male civilian cohort.

Cardiovascular risk factors among Polish employees of uniformed services

“…The prevalence of DM in other studies was much lower compared to that observed among EoUS in this study [36]. et al [9] found significantly worse anthropometric and biochemical parameters in the selected male military cohort compared to a male civilian cohort. Smoking is one of the most significant cardiovascular risk factors, associated with an increased risk of developing a first myocardial infarction as well as an increased risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and higher all-cause mortality [28][29][30].…”

“…However, a study by Gielerak et al [8] showed that Polish soldiers present with multiple cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, as seen in the general population. In a Czech study, male soldiers were burdened with significantly more CV risk factors compared to the civilian population [9]. Zimmermann demonstrated that CV risk factors result in high mortality rates among law enforcement personnel [10].…”